Softball

Broncos Give Up Big Inning, Lose To Cal 9-4

BERKELEY, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team came out strong against the Cal Bears Wednesday at Levine-Fricke Field, scoring four runs in the first three innings. Angela Kabanuck hit her second home run of the season to lead-off the game, but a big inning in the bottom of the third gave Cal all they needed to hang on for the victory.

In the first inning, the Broncos were very efficient. Kabanuck homered to lead off the game, and then Alyc Kalamaha scored after walking, advancing on a Jackie Morales sacrifice and an RBI single by Ashley Blier. Nori Kamada sacrificed as well to advance Blier, but Noelani Hoopii's line drive was caught by the leftfielder to end the rally.

Freshman Lauren Passafuime had a tough start to the game, allowing the first three batters to reach base either by walk or hit. When the fourth batter put the ball in play, shortstop Ashley Grove did well to throw the lead runner out at home plate and preserve the Broncos 2-0 advantage. A single to right field scored the runner from third on the next play to cut the lead in half, but heads up play again from Grove at shortstop helped send the Bears back to the dugout.

In the second inning, the Broncos went back to work. Grove led off with a single to left and catcher Emily Batt sacrificed Grove to second. Sara Overmier singled to left to score Grove from second, and the Broncos led 3-1.

Things were looking good, as Passafuime retired the first two batters in the second inning, but then a walk, a single and a wild pitch put runners on second and third. The ensuing single scored both runs, tying the game at 3-3 just one batter too soon.

In the third, the Broncos didn't give up. Kalamaha walked for the second straight time. Kalamaha later scored after advancing on a fielders choice and a single by Kamada allowing the Broncos to re-take the lead 4-3.

But then came trouble. Passafuime gave up a leadoff single and a walk to start the bottom of the third and was then replaced by Morales. Morales got two quick outs and then things went down hill. A single and then an error by Hoopii at first base allowed two runs to score and the Bears led 5-4. Then a walk and a triple allowed two more runs to score to make it 7-4. Another walk and a single up the middle scored a fifth run of the inning before the Broncos would be able to come off the field.

Then, the Bears brought in pitcher Lauren Frankiewicz who took care of business like none of the other Cal pitchers had been able to. Frankiewicz struck out eight batters in her 4.0 innings and the Broncos managed only three baserunners the rest of the way.

The Broncos will host the inaugural Bronco Stampede this weekend at Marsalli Park in Santa Clara, Calif. Friday, the Broncos get things started when they take on Pacific at 12:00 noon.